Union Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot introduced the Bill in the House amid protests by Samajwadi Party. The debate on the bill is expected to start at 2 pm.

The 10% quota is over and above the 50% reservation already given to the scheduled castes, tribes, and other backward castes (OBCs). The Supreme Court however has repeatedly struck down any further reservations over the 50% mark.

The upper castes have never before been given the benefit of a quota.

The move to give the upper castes a quota comes just before the 2019 general elections.

PTI quoted sources as saying the reservation is likely to be availed by those whose annual income is below Rs 8 lakh and have up to five acres of land, he said.

Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution will have to be amended for implementation of the decision, the sources added.

(With inputs from PTI)

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According to reports, the reservation for the upper castes will be in government jobs and educational institutions.